Ganderbal, March 19: The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Maize at the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), SKUAST-Kashmir Wednesday concluded a series of awareness programmes under the AICRP FLD-Maize initiative at the Chief Agriculture Office, Ganderbal.
The awareness drive, aimed at promoting maize cultivation as a climate-resilient crop, saw the participation of 150 farmers across three major programmes. The first two sessions were held at DARS, Rangreth, on March 13 and March 18, in collaboration with KVK Budgam and KVK Pulwama, while the final programme took place in Ganderbal on March 19.
A team of agricultural scientists and specialists engaged with farmers to provide valuable insights into maize production techniques and sustainability measures. Dr. Faisul ur Rasool, incharge Outreach, AICRP Maize, highlighted maize’s critical role in sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly in drought-prone regions. He guided farmers on advanced production techniques to enhance yields. Dr. Sabina Nasseer, Maize Breeder, underscored the importance of seed production as a viable means of employment generation for rural communities. Dr. Effat Shehnaz, Pathologist, discussed the use of biofertilizers in maize cultivation, emphasising their role in environmental security and improving beneficial soil microfauna. Dr. Seerat, Soil Scientist, elaborated on the benefits of vermicompost for maintaining soil fertility and health, stressing the importance of soil sampling and testing. Dr. Altaf A. Wani, Plant Breeder, introduced farmers to new maize cultivars and hybrids, especially for improving maize production in rainfed areas. As part of the programme, participating farmers were provided with Maize and Pulse seeds, Vermicompost packs, and biofertilizers (Trichoderma and Rhizobium) to support sustainable farming and enhance agricultural productivity. The initiative aligns with the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and aims to equip farmers with scientific knowledge and practical solutions to improve maize cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving climate scenario.
